Whitening: Will It Hurt? Will It Be Safe?

If your teeth are stained, discoloured or not as white as you’d like, you might be considering whitening options to brighten your smile. Like any decision about your teeth, talking to a dentist should be your first step to understand your options for safe and pain-free teeth whitening with natural-looking results.

Call (02) 9969 8610 to book a cosmetic consultation with our experienced Mosman dentists today.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

When a whitening treatment is provided by a dental professional, or following their guidance, it shouldn’t cause pain. Some people may feel mild discomfort when whitening gels are applied, but this should only be temporary and can last for 1 to 2 days at most. If you experience discomfort for longer, or other unexpected side effects, you should contact a dentist for an emergency appointment.

If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist will adjust the concentration of whitening agents for comfort or discuss alternatives. Your dentist may recommend repairing worn or damaged teeth before whitening begins to help prevent pain and improve their appearance.

Can whitening damage your teeth?

Teeth whitening treatments use chemicals that remove pigments from the enamel. The concentrations of these chemicals in home whitening products are strictly regulated in Australia, but it’s still important to follow your dentist’s instructions and make sure you only expose your teeth to whitening agents for as long as recommended.

Professional teeth whitening provided at a dental clinic uses higher concentrations of chemicals for faster results. Only registered dental professionals are approved to use these more concentrated whitening agents, as they have the skills and experience necessary to ensure they are safely applied and to tailor treatments for every individual.

How long does whitening last for?

Teeth whitening doesn’t permanently alter your teeth, and how long its effects will last can vary depending on the type of treatment, the cause of discolouration and how well you care for your teeth.

You can help your teeth to stay naturally white for longer by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding staining food and drink, not smoking, and keeping up with your scheduled dental visits. Your dentist can also provide top-up treatments to maintain your white smile.

What are the alternatives to teeth whitening?

Not all types of tooth discolouration are suitable for whitening treatments, such as discolouration caused by an injury or medication side effects. If you’re not eligible for whitening, or you prefer a more permanent solution, you may be a candidate for another cosmetic dentistry treatment, such as veneers.

If you have dental restorations such as a filling or crown that have become stained or discoloured over time, these are also not suitable for whitening and will need to be replaced if you want to maintain an even smile.

Book a consultation for safe teeth whitening in Mosman

Want to know more about our teeth whitening options at Mosman 3D Dental, or ready to get started? Call our friendly team today on (02) 9969 8610 or make an appointment online with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists.